Martin Denny, RIP
Most of you are too young to remember musician Martin Denny. He passed away recently at the age of 94. But in the late 1950s and into the early 60s, he was at the forefront of a style of music that is described as a "fusion of Asian, South Pacific, American jazz, Latin American and classical."
I can still remember listening to my dad's copy of "Exotica" and the top five hit on the national charts " Quiet Village".
Even today, there are those, like The Forbidden Sounds of Don Tiki that carry on the tradition.
I think Denny and band mate Arthur Lyman were regulars at the Honolulu Elks Club (BPOE 616, where I was also a member), and from what I understand, he was a true gentleman and was always willing to help others. Indeed, while he was recently in declining health, he still performed at a February 13th fund raiser for the victims of the Asian tsunami.
You can read more about this pioneer of music from a Honolulu Star-Bulletin article here or the wikipedia link above.
Have a Great Weekend, Everyone - Aloha!